The 27-year-old, who signed from Rennes in 2012, has featured in seven Premier League games this season for the Canaries, predominantly as part of a midfield trio alongside Johnny Howson and Leroy Fer.

"We feared the worst at the time because it was sore," Hughton told the club website.

"It was still very sore for the next couple of days, so Alex had the operation above his ankle which will keep him out for perhaps a couple of months."